Things to Do on Gili Trawangan:

The Island That Doesn’t Sleep (Unless You Do)

So, you’ve landed on Gili Trawangan, aka Gili T, aka “that island where time stops, shoes disappear, and suddenly you’re considering becoming a full-time hammock tester or dive instructor” But what exactly do you do here when you’re not busy sipping coconuts chilling on one of the beautiful beaches?

🌊 1. Go Diving (Obviously)

This is the bread and butter of Gili T. The ocean here is like a giant aquarium, except you don’t have to awkwardly press your face against glass. Expect turtles galore, stunning reefs, and possibly that one fish that stares at you like it knows your secrets.

Pro tip: Book a try scuba program or a course if you have never dived before. Or explore one of the many dive sites on fundives if you are already certified. You’ll leave with both memories and a new cool hobby you can brag about.

🤿 2. Go Snorkeling (The Lazy Diver’s Alternative)

Not ready to strap on a tank? No worries. Just grab a mask, float around, and let the turtles come to you. There are so many amazing places around Gili T to snorkel. Bonus points if you get on a boat for a snorkeling tour and manage to spot the famous underwater statues.

🚲 3. Rent a Bike and Do a “Tour de Gili”

Cars? Nope. Scooters? Nope. On Gili T, it’s all about the pedal power. Rent a rusty little bicycle and wobble your way around the island in about an hour (two, if you stop for a million photos and coconut breaks). Please don’t be fooled by people offering to rent electric scooters. They are illegal on the island, even though it unfortunately is not enforced regularly.

🐎 4. Horseback Riding at Sunset

Yes, you can live out your wildest romance-novel dreams and ride a horse along the beach at sunset. Will you look like a majestic movie star? Maybe. Will you feel like one anyway? Definitely.

🎾 5. Padel & Tennis (Yes, Really)

Turns out Gili T isn’t just coconuts and coconuts-with-rum. You can also swing a racket, padel if you want to be trendy, tennis if you want to feel like Wimbledon called and you missed it. Either way, prepare for sweaty bragging rights. There is a Tennis court you can rent at Kelapa Villas and a few Padel courts at Malibu Beach Club.

⛳ 6. Minigolf (Because Why Not?)

When was the last time you played minigolf on a tropical island? Exactly. Grab your friends, order a drink, and prepare to lose your dignity to a badly aimed putt while tropical fish laugh at you from the ocean nearby. You will find Gili Golf about 150m from the main road.

🐢 7. Release Baby Turtles at Sunrise

Thanks to the Gili Eco Trust, you can help tiny turtles make their grand entrance into the ocean. They do not do this every morning, so have a look at their Instagram where they will announce the releases. Warning: you will cry, you will cheer, and you will want to quit your job to become a full-time turtle midwife.

🍹 8. Get Day-Drunk at a Beach Club

Let’s be honest, you’re not just here for wellness. Order that frozen cocktail at noon, dance in the sand, and convince yourself that “hydration” means ordering another round. No judgment here.

🎶 9. Music Bingo at Lava

Forget regular bingo—on Gili T, you’ll find yourself singing along to cheesy hits at Lava bar while marking off your card. By the end of the night you’ll either win a prize, lose your voice, or both.

💍 10. Make Your Own Silver Jewelry

Yes, you can actually craft your own bling on Gili T. Roll up your sleeves, melt some silver, and walk out with a shiny souvenir you totally “made yourself” (with a lot of help from a very patient teacher).

🎶 11. Party Like You Forgot What Day It Is

Gili T’s nightlife is basically: “It’s Tuesday? Cool, let’s party. It’s Sunday? Cool, let’s party!” From beach bars to full-on DJ sets, you’ll find something happening every night. Just don’t blame the island if you accidentally dance barefoot until sunrise and forget what time zone you’re in.

🏝️ 12. Island Hopping (Because Why Stop at One?)

Gili T is the big sibling, but its chill little sisters—Gili Air and Gili Meno—are just a quick boat ride away. So book a snorkel tour and think of it as a family reunion where you actually want to meet the siblings.